As hurricane season approaches, the City of Port St. Lucie urges residents to take necessary precautions now and develop a year-round yard maintenance plan.
Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30, and it is imperative that every individual take necessary precautions in advance to ensure their safety and that of the community.
Here are some tips for managing debris and maintaining your yard to prepare for hurricane season (June 1 to November 30).
Before hurricane season:
Regularly prune trees and shrubs, trimming weak branches and thinning foliage to reduce the chance of trees/plants being uprooted.
Place loose debris, such as leaves and twigs, in trash carts or paper bags that weigh less than 50 pounds when full.
Yard debris is limited to a maximum of one 4-cubic-yard pile per week at the curb.
Ensure piles and carts are at least 3 feet away from power lines, mailboxes, storm drains, and other items.
Clear your yard of any items that could become projectiles in a storm, such as broken patio furniture or loose items.
Once a storm watch or warning has been issued:
Do not trim any vegetation. Large trimmings place a tremendous burden on the collection process.
Avoid starting construction projects that produce debris that could become projectiles.
Secure your recycling and trash carts.
Do not place bulky waste at the curb.
After a storm:
The City Hall asks for patience.
Our priority is to clear roads to allow safe passage through our community. Help recovery efforts by:
- Separating debris piles (construction and yard waste) at the curb to facilitate pickup.
- Safely bagging all household trash in the black trash cart provided by the City.
- Placing loose, clean, and dry recyclables in a green cart provided by the City.
- Checking the city’s website for service schedule updates.
- Placing carts and debris piles at least three feet away from trees and power lines. Trucks cannot pick up debris piled under power lines.
To stay informed and prepared, check www.CityofPSL.com/SolidWaste regularly for updates on garbage collection, as the storm may affect the service schedule.
Additionally, residents can get more hurricane tips at the 18th Annual Port St. Lucie Hurricane Expo on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center.
This free, family-friendly event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with businesses and emergency providers who can help you prepare for extreme weather and ensure the safety of your family and property.
Take advantage of informative presentations by meteorologists, emergency managers, City of Port St. Lucie staff, and community organizations that can assist with hurricane preparedness.
Learn more at www.CityofPSL.com/Hurricane.
